Dunkirk running back Christian Ortiz (30) rushes toward the endzone during a Section VI high school football game at Dunkirk High School last season. OBSERVER Photo by Ron Szot.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has delayed the start of fall sports in addition to canceling fall 2020 regional and state championships while preparing to “implement a condensed season schedule in January 2021 if high school sports remain prohibited throughout 2020 due to COVID-19.”

The NYSPHSAA made the announcement Thursday afternoon at the recommendation of the association’s task force.

“As the state considers reopening, it is unrealistic to believe athletic seasons can start on Aug. 24 as originally scheduled,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA president. “The priority will continue to be on the educational process and a return to learning in the safest way possible.”

The decision includes:

• delaying the fall sports start date until Monday, Sept. 21;

• canceling fall regional and state championship events;

• waiving seven-day practice rules;

• maintaining current practice requirements;

• encouraging geographic scheduling for games and contests; and

• giving schools the option, if permitted, to offer off-season conditioning workouts.